Round the Fountain Art Fair draws more than 100 artists

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – People headed to downtown Lafayette Saturday to check out some art, while supporting their community.

For more than four decades, the Round the Fountain Art Fair has been drawing art lovers like Susie Swenson to the Tippecanoe County Courthouse Square.

“There’s just so much to look at. It’s intoxicating,” said Swenson.

This is the 41st year for the event that gives more than 100 artists from around the county the chance to display and sell their work.

Hoosier artist Bob Brehmer is one of 21 new artists and says the event has done more than help him earn a profit.

“It educates them more about it, and that it’s actually work to make handmade art. That draws appreciation to why it’s priced like it is,” said Brehmer.

Event chairperson Maggie Smith said the event draws more than an appreciation for art.

“Anyone can come down and wander around, and there are so many people of all ages and walks of life who come down, and they look forward to this event each year,” said Smith.

The art fair does more than draw people to the courthouse square. Revenue from the event helps to support local high school art programs and after school programs, and in the past supported restoration to the Tippecanoe County Courthouse.

However, the giving doesn’t stop there.

“It builds up the local art community, because there is a quite a population of artists in Tippecanoe County. So, having a fair like this brings people together. Not just the artists, but the community members,” said Swenson.